World War 1 Trenches Experience

A network of reproduction World War 1 trenches, a one-of- a-kind visitor experience that's not to be missed.

The Trenches Experience at Bodelwyddan Castle gives you a unique and memorable opportunity to discover what life was like on the front line during the First World War. Based on detailed research, the trenches have been painstakingly recreated to take visitors on an authentic, atmospheric and poignant journey back to the time of the Great War.

Learn about the challenges of building the trenches, what life was like for the soldiers within their cramped spaces, and the hopes and horrors of trench warfare.

Access to the Trench Experience is by guided tour only, with one of our volunteer guides. Tours are approximately 60/90 minutes in length and are subject to availability. Please contact us to confirm that Tours are running before making a specific journey.

During your visit to The Trenches Experience you will learn about:

Training at Kinmel Camp - learn about trench warfare training and what life was like at the camp that inspired the replica trenches development

Life in the trenches - discover what day-to-day life was like on the Western Front

Casualties of War - see the inside of a front line first aid post and learn what happened to soldiers not fatally wounded

Local Heroes - relive some of the inspirational and often heartbreaking stories from soldiers that trained at Kinmel Camp, which took in conscripts from across North Wales and North West England

Built close to the site of original practice trenches, part of an old army training camp and now an important archaeological monument, The Trenches Experience is a starting point for making connections with the past and learning lessons for the future. During your visit we encourage you to collect and share stories but most of all pass on what you experienced and tell others about the project.

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Information

The Trenches Experience at Bodelwyddan Castle consists of two signposted loops, one of which is accessible to wheelchairs and those with prams. This loop contains most of the Trenches Experience's major attractions. Please follow the way-marking signs carefully.

Did you know?

Kinmel Camp, within which the original practice trenches were built, was at the time the largest camp in Wales. It included 20 sub-camps, a cinema, churches, and post office. Soldiers came here from all over North Wales and North West England.